Wine Advisor
Clerc Milon 2011
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Description
A wine with considerable ageing potential made in the traditional Médoc way, Château Clerc Milon is the result of a particularly successful marriage between gravel and clay-limestone terroirs and Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. Powerful, tannic, full-bodied and rich in fruit, it also has all the typical elegance of the finest Pauillac wines.
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Administrator Philippe Dhalluin has produced a firmly structured 2011 Clerc Milon that displays notes of red and dark cherries intermixed with earthy, dusty characteristics, medium body and good purity. Slightly angular, it will benefit from some bottle age, and should evolve for 15 or more years. The only troublesome element is the tartness in the finish, which should soften and dissipate in several years.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2011 Clerc-Milon, a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carmenere and 1% Petit Verdot, has a lifted sorbet bouquet that usually seems more extravagant and precocious than d’Armailhac. The palate shows slightly higher acidity than the d’Armailhac (pH 3.65 compared to 3.75 for the d’Armailhac.). It is slightly pinched at the moment, very linear and strict with a little hardness on the finish that should soften with time. This will be more representative after bottling. Tasted April 2012.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Administrator Philippe Dalhuin told me this property (100 acres) has 240 separate parcels, which must make the strategy of harvesting a nightmare. Composed of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and a dollop of Petit Verdot, the 2011 Clerc Milon is more tannic, tightly knit and structured than its sister chateau, d’Armailhac. With more acidity showing, it performed as if it had just come off malolactic fermentation. Possessing a dense color along with copious notes of new saddle leather, black currants, mocha and wood spice, it will require several years of bottle age, and should keep well for 15+ years.
Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata
Very deep ruby. Cassis, vanilla and pipe tobacco aromas are complicated by coffee and cocoa on the deeply scented nose and palate. Broad and fleshy, with licorice and bitter chocolate qualities gaining strength with air. Shows serious power for the vintage, finishing chewy, sweet and very long, with rising tannins and lingering flintiness. Considering the difficult vintage, this strikes me as an extremely successful Clerc Milon.
Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata
(54% cabernet sauvignon, 37% merlot, 7% cabernet franc, 1% petit verdot and 1% carmenère): Bright deep ruby-purple. Gorgeous nose combines fresh blackberry, blackcurrant syrup and aromatic herbs, lifted by a floral note. Enters bright and fresh, displaying lovely purity and precision to its juicy red and black fruit flavors. Finishes long and crisp, with smooth tannins and a delicate herbal nuance that does not detract from the wine's pleasure. Not a blockbuster Clerc Milon but one that relies on finesse and juicy acidity for its appeal.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2011 Clerc-Milon is quite high-toned on the nose with black cherries, bilberry, black olive and light graphite scents. This gains more composure as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with dense tannins, quite a bold and assertive Pauillac with good grip, maintaining balance and precision, persistent on the finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2011 Clerc-Milon is quite high-toned on the nose with black cherries, bilberry, black olive and light graphite scents. This gains more composure as it opens in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with dense tannins, quite a bold and assertive Pauillac with good grip, maintaining balance and precision, persistent on the finish. Fine. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
This is a racy young wine with currants and blueberries on the nose and palate. Full and very silky with fine tannins and a balanced finish. A little muscular and lean. 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Carmenere.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A chewy wine, but the tannins are polished and pretty. Full body, intense fruit and tannins and a persistent finish. Muscular, but balanced. Try in 2018.
About the Producer
A legendary terroir, prestigious neighbours, a providential encounter: the history and the success of Château Clerc Milon are summed up in these three words. The terroir is that of Pauillac, where some of the world’s finest wines are made. The neighbours are Mouton and Lafite, illustrious First Growths whose nearby vines can be seen from the terrace of the Château. The encounter was with Baron Philippe, who in 1970 acquired the then badly neglected estate and decided to restore it to its status as a Classified Growth. Now, thanks to Baroness Philippine, Clerc Milon, one of the most highly regarded châteaux in the Bordeaux region, can boast technical facilities and reception areas worthy of its reputation.
1949(2)1995(2)1996(2)1998(2)1999(1)2000(5)2001(4)2003(2)2004(2)2005(3)2006(8)2007(5)2008(10)2009(5)2010(9)
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